Bailey | Percy James | | Captain | BAILEY, PERCY JAMES, Captain, was born 2 December 1873, eldest son of Sir James Bailey. He was gazetted to the 12th Lancers 11 December 1895, and became Lieutenant 12 May 1897. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902 (as Brigade Signalling Officer 13 October 1900 to 25 June, 1903); took part in the advance on Kimberley, including action at Magersfontein; was present at the Relief of Kimberley; took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including those at Paardeberg, the actions at Poplar Grove (severely wounded), Driefontein, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain) and Zand River; served during operations in the Transvaal, May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Diamond Hill; again in the Transvaal, west of Pretoria, July to 29 November 1900; in the Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900, including actions at Lindley, Bethlehem and Wittebergen; served again in the Transvaal 30 November 1900, to 31 May 1902; afterwards on Staff (including service as Staff Officer to a Column). He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 17 June, 1902]; received the Queen's Medal with six clasps, and the King's Medal with two clasps. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 June, 1902]: "Percy James Bailey, Captain, 12th Lancers. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". He was invested by the King 24 October 1902. He was promoted to Captain 17 April, 1901; was Adjutant and Quartermaster, Cavalry School, 14 August 1905 to 13 August 1909; became Major 22 August 1908; was Assistant Commandant, Remount Service, Shirehampton, Southern Command, 3 January to 5 April, 1919; Deputy Director of Remounts, GHQ, British Armies of the Rhine, 6 April, 1919. Major Bailey married, in 1907, Dorothy Jessica, daughter of Thomas Gibson Bowles, MP, and of Jessica (who died in 1887), daughter of General Evans Gordon.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | 12th (The Prince of Wales's Royal) Lancers |